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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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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How to Find Out if the Seller Will Come Down in Price

Question: “Are there any good ways to figure out if a seller is likely to come down in price?” Answer: Here’s the simplest way: Ask (or have your agent ask) the seller’s agent how much the seller will come down! Unless the seller’s agent has specific permission from the seller (almost never happens), it’s a
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Should You Hire a Team to Sell Your San Diego Home?

Question: “I’m planning to sell my home and am deciding if I want to list with a solo agent or a successful team.  I think the team idea is a good one and I’d get more action.  But I’m concerned that a team may be impersonal and I may be forgotten.  Your opinion?” Answer: Before
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Should an Agent Be Paid Less If They Sell Fast?

Question: “I listed my home with an agent and it sold in three days over list price.  I asked her to take a lower commission because she didn’t have to work very hard.  I know you’re an agent, but don’t you think that’s a little greedy?” Answer: I’ll answer your question with a few questions
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How to Fire a Realtor (Good Luck!)

Question: “Re: how to fire a realtor.  Went online and got some vague answers.  Wish to cancel my listing based on realtor’s breach of contract and lack of communication.  Any advice???” Answer: Good luck. Listing contracts make it virtually impossible to fire an agent who isn’t performing. That’s why you don’t want to just use
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Why Price Per Square Foot Is Bad—& Some Agents Use It Anyway

Question: “My home is in North Park and it’s 3,400 square feet. The average price per square foot in the neighborhood…” Answer: Whoa! Stop! Halt! Before you go any further, I want to save you some time and trouble and correct your faulty premise. Many real estate agents, appraisers, and homeowners too clever for their
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Should You Pick the Middle of 3 Agents’ Price Opinions?

Question: “I’m going to sell my house this summer. I know how important it is to price your home right. So I plan to get 3 agents’ price opinions and then hire the agent in the middle. Is this a good idea?” Answer: I don’t recommend it. 2 reasons… Reason #1: Whether it’s a high
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Do Agents Lie & Say There’s a Second Offer?

Question: “My wife and I rent and there’s been a house for sale down the street. After driving by it for 4 months, we decided to make an offer. When we did, suddenly the seller’s agent said he had another offer. It seems all too coincidental. How often do agents lie and say there’s a
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Never Use a Lender Who’s Also an Agent

“I just went to your San Diego investing seminar and heard you say never to use a lender who’s also an agent. Sadly, I heard this too late. I bought my San Diego home in 2009 and my (ex) agent did my loan. It was a nightmare. It took almost three months to close and
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