Story Time With Gary: Agent in Hot Water

Looking to sell your San Diego home? Get a free home value report Buying a San Diego home? Search all homes for sale   Today I have another strange or weird story from my years working in real estate. This week’s story is a pretty short story, but it’s going back several years. A gentleman
Read more
4 Comments

Understanding How People Shop for Homes

Looking to sell your San Diego home? Get a free home value report Buying a San Diego home? Search all homes for sale   When I got into real estate in 1984, the way people looked for homes was very, very different from how things are done today. Back then, information was more readily available
Read more
No Comments

Are There San Diego Condos Without HOA Fees?

Question: “Hi Gary. Could you please email me a list of condos without HOA fees in P.B., Clairemont, U.C., and nearby areas…” Answer: That would be a very short list. As in VERY short. I’d estimate that 99.9% of condos have HOA fees. The rare exception would be a 2-4 unit property converted to condos w/o
Read more
No Comments

365 Things to Do in San Diego: Feb. 5–11

Every Monday throughout 2015, I’ll bring you a list of exciting activities to do throughout San Diego—one for each day of the year! Here you’ll find ideas for upcoming events, great restaurants and other exciting activities. February 5: Try something you’ll never forget: go skydiving with one of the companies operating in south and east San Diego.
Read more
No Comments

365 Things to Do in San Diego: Jan. 29–Feb. 4

Every Monday throughout 2015, I’ll bring you a list of exciting activities to do throughout San Diego—one for each day of the year! Here you’ll find ideas for upcoming events, great restaurants and other exciting activities. Jan. 29–Feb. 1: See movies that highlight the black experience at the San Diego Black Film Festival in the Gaslamp. January 30: Try
Read more
No Comments

365 Things to Do in San Diego: Jan. 22–28

Every Monday throughout 2015, I’ll bring you a list of exciting activities to do throughout San Diego—one for each day of the year! Here you’ll find ideas for upcoming events, great restaurants and other exciting activities. January 22: Admire a variety of modern works at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. January 23: Learn about San Diego
Read more
No Comments

Is Now a Good Time to Fix and Flip?

Question: “Hi Gary! We just sold our apartment building in L.A. It’s in escrow for $900,000 and we’re debating doing a 1031 exchange and buying a property here in San Diego to fix up and flip. Do you think it’s a good time right now? We’re going to net about $600,000.” Answer: A few things…
Read more
No Comments

What Costs Do I Pay When I Buy a San Diego Home?

Question: “What costs should I expect to pay when I buy a home?” Answer: Division of costs vary by geographic region. In San Diego, the buyer usually pays: Home inspection + any other inspections (except termite) Half the escrow fee Lender’s policy of title insurance Notary & recording fees for loan documents All new loan
Read more
No Comments

365 Things to Do in San Diego: Jan. 15–21

The USS Recruit by Gedstrom is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Every Monday throughout 2015, I’ll bring you a list of exciting activities to do throughout San Diego—one for each day of the year! Here you’ll find ideas for upcoming events, great restaurants and other exciting activities. January 15: Become a member (or get invited) and enjoy exclusive golf, tennis, beaches and dining at La Jolla Beach & Tennis
Read more
No Comments

How Long It Takes to Sell a San Diego Home Right Now

Question: “I plan to sell my home and would like to know how long you think it takes to sell a home right now.” Answer: Great question. Right now, we’re in a “normal” market with a rough balance of buyers and sellers. So on the one hand, it can be SLOW… Price your home too
Read more
No Comments