Why Your Higher Home Offer Wasn’t Accepted

Question: “Hi Gary. I made an offer on a home and didn’t get it. I know that happens. But I just found out the sale closed and it sold for LESS than what I offered. Obviously I’m upset. The realtor must have done something shady. Who do I report her to?” Answer: I understand your
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If You Can’t Find a Home, Broaden Your Criteria

Question: “My wife and I have been looking for a home since December. And we’re getting frustrated. Every home we see is too small, in poor condition, or priced too high for our budget. Can you give us some advice?” Answer: Sounds like you’re stuck in a holding pattern and need to make some changes.
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Who Pays for a Home Warranty?

Question: “Who usually pays for a home warranty, the buyer or the seller? And if the seller won’t or doesn’t pay, is it worth buying one?” Answer: A home warranty policy is an insurance policy purchased during a home sale that covers some things that can go wrong with the plumbing, heating, electrical, and built-in
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When Must the Seller Be Out of the Home?

Question: “We’re planning to buy a home. A realtor told me that the seller has to be out of the home 5 days before the sale closes. Is that correct?” Answer: No. My guess is the Realtor had that confused with the “default” in the contract for tenants. The contract says tenants are to be
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Do All Homes Have to Be Tented for Termites?

Question: “Gary, do all homes have to be tented for termites before you buy them?” Answer: No. It depends on a few things: 1. What does your contract say? There’s no law that says a home must be free and clear of termites when it’s sold. Most people buying a home expect it to be
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How Big a Deposit Must You Make?

Question: “How much deposit am I required to make to have a binding contract?” Answer: This may surprise you and many readers, but you’re not legally required to make a deposit at all. While contracts require what is called “consideration” to be valid, that doesn’t mean you need to have a deposit. Per the good
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Who’s Buying San Diego Homes?

Question: “Who are you seeing out there buying homes in San Diego? Are they first-time homebuyers, people moving up or down, foreign buyers, or ???” Answer: Of course, we’re seeing all of those groups, and a few more. But I think you’re asking about major trends… There’s an unusually high percentage of cash buyers, many
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3 Reasons a San Diego Home Is Listed “As Is”

Question: “If a house is advertised ‘as is,’ does that mean that the house has problems? And can you still inspect it and ask for something to be fixed?” Answer: Great questions. Homes are typically advertised “As Is” for three different but related reasons: First, the home may indeed have problems, ranging from ugly cosmetics
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Do Buyers & Sellers Attend the Closing on a San Diego Home?

Question: “Hi Gary. I really enjoy reading your newsletter. I have a question. My wife and I will be buying our first home in San Diego. Do the buyer and seller both attend the closing, or just the agents?” Answer: None of the above. Practices vary by geography. In some states, the buyer, seller, agents,
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Doing a San Diego Home Inspection

Question: “Hi Gary. When I buy a home, I’ll take your advice and definitely have it inspected. A few questions: When should I do it? How much does one cost? How long does it take?” Answer: You should do your home inspection ASAP after your offer is accepted. You typically have 7 to 17 days
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