How to Tell If the Market is Slowing Down or Speeding Up

Question: “How can I tell if the market is slowing down or speeding up?” Answer: One way is by looking at changes in the “absorption rate.” Absorption rate is defined as “the number of months (or weeks) it would take to sell the current inventory of homes at the present rate of sales.” To determine
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Is It Okay Not to Get an Appraisal?

Question: “My friend was buying a home and the seller asked him to waive the appraisal contingency.  Isn’t that a bad idea?  That means he won’t know if he’s overpaying.” Answer: An appraisal is just an opinion, and usually a less accurate one than a good Realtor who knows the area. I once listed a
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Should an Agent Represent Both Buyer & Seller?

Question: “Is it legal for an agent to represent both a buyer and seller?” Answer: Great question.  It’s 100% legal in California.  (Real estate laws vary by state.) Is it a good idea? If the agent is like most and has integrity, it’s perfectly fine.  He or she will not favor either party and will
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Should Buyers Get Their Own Pest Control Inspection?

Question: “We’re in escrow on a home.  The seller’s termite report costs seem low and many areas I feel were overlooked (dry rot apparent).  If we get our own termite report can it hurt the deal in any way?  What if my inspector points out many more areas and the costs doubles.  I don’t want
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A Good Choice For Your First San Diego Home & Investment

Question: “I’d love to buy my first house, but can’t quite afford one.  And I really don’t want a condo.  Do you have any houses where the owner will let me make payments to them at a low rate?” Answer: Nope, and you’re unlikely to find anything like that. But I have a totally different
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Avoid Being Sued When Selling Your San Diego Home

Question: “How can I avoid being sued when I sell my home?” Answer: In California, no matter what you do, you can always be sued. But, you can greatly decrease the odds that a) you’ll be sued, and b) lose if you are sued. Here are three of the seven ways to protect yourself (my
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Should You Buy a Home on a Lease-Option?

Question: “I’m saving up money for a down payment, but I’d like to get into a house now since prices are so attractive and there are so many homes for sale to choose from.  What do you think of getting a home on a lease-option?” Answer: There are some pros and cons, that I’ll go
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How to Find a Tenant for Your San Diego Home

Question: “I want to buy my first investment property, so I’m going to buy a little house.  What’s the best way to find a tenant?” Answer: Craigslist, hands down. You could also put a For Rent sign up, but Craigslist is going to be your best bet. By the way, in case you’ve heard of
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Selling Your Home Should Be a “No Ego Zone”

Question: “Gary, I’m selling our rental in Los Angeles.  The buyer agreed to buy As Is and we even gave them a home inspection from a previous buyer before they offered.  But now they’re asking for a $200 credit for a water pressure regulator.  My agent told them no, but they’re not backing down.  I’m
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Of Disclosures and Property Lines

Question: “I’m buying a house and we’re closing in 3 days.  There’s a nice detached building in the back that I’ll use as an office.  But the neighbor just said it’s built too close to his property line and he’s going to report it.  All my contingencies are released.  Since this is a new disclosure,
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