Should I replace my noisy central air conditioner before I list my home for sale?

Question: “I had my noisy central air conditioning looked at and the recommendation was to get a new unit for about $4,000. You think that’s something that really should be done before my house goes on market? It works fine, just a little noisy.” Answer: It’s a judgment call, but since it won’t detract when
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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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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 a Website Tell me What Work to Do on My Home Before Selling?

Question: “Is there a website that can tell me what work I should do on my home before I sell it?” Answer: Probably, but I have a better idea. If your home is in San Diego and you’re considering selling, invite me by and I’ll give you profitable fix up tips based on my 31
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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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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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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 I Do Termite Work Now or During Escrow?

Question: “Should I do the termite work now or do it during escrow?” Answer: If you have a lot of wood repair that is visible and looks bad, you may want to do it now. Otherwise I would say to wait and see if your buyer asks you to do it. But the odds are
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Should You Credit Buyers Money Instead of Doing Repairs?

Question: “When I sold my house a few years ago, the buyer requested some repairs. I took care of them, but it was a big hassle. What do you think of crediting the buyer money instead?” Answer: That’s a great idea. While your homebuyer may not like the quality of work done on a repair,
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Must Sellers Bring the Home Up to Code?

Question: “When you buy a home, does the seller have to bring the home up to current building code?” Answer: No*, thank goodness! Can you imagine the burden if the owner of a home built in 1950 were forced to bring their home to current code? So many people would hang onto their homes rather
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