Should You Wait Till Summer to Sell Your San Diego Home?

Question: “Do you think it’s a good idea to wait to sell until next summer when prices are up?” Answer: You’re making a BIG assumption that prices will be up next summer. How do you know this? Do you have a time machine?  Is it because everyone says – incorrectly – that summer is
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How Long After Selling Can You Buy Another Home & Avoid Taxes?

Question: “I’d like to avoid paying taxes on the profit from my home. How long do I have after I sell my home to buy another one?” Answer: Well my friend, you’re either 1) behind the times or 2) confusing the rules for your principal residence with those for investment property: Until 1997, you had
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Having a Broker Caravan When Selling Your San Diego Home

Question: “How important is it to have a broker caravan when selling a home?” Answer: (A broker caravan, aka “broker open house” or “broker tour”, is typically a 2-3 hour period where a home is open for Realtors to come through and see it.) If you asked me this question 15 or more years ago,
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Should You Get an Appraisal Before Selling?

Question: “We plan to sell our home and get it on the market in the next few weeks. What’s the first step, getting an appraisal?” Answer: You certainly can get an appraisal, but you’ll be shelling out $500 for what your agent will do for free. Basically, your steps are: Find a good agent Determine
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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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How Much Are Costs When Sell a San Diego Home?

Question: “How much are the costs when you sell a home?” Answer: In addition to the real estate fee, you will have: Just under 1% for title insurance, half the escrow fee, county transfer tax, HOA (homeowner association) documents (if any) and other smaller fees. An unknown amount for repairs the buyer requests that you
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Must I Fumigate My San Diego Home Before Selling?

Question: “Do I have to fumigate my house for termites in order to sell it?” Answer: Almost never. I’ll explain when you do have to fumigate, but first let me correct three myths about termite fumigations: Myth #1: “You’re legally required to fumigate when you sell.” Over the years, many of my clients have thought
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Is the Buyer Responsible for Problems if They Waive Inspection?

Question: “We sold our house in Orange County in April and forgot to disclose that the fireplace was pulling away from the house. The buyer didn’t bother to have an inspection and now they’re threatening to sue us for the fireplace repair, which is around $5,000. Isn’t the buyer the one responsible if they decide
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Can You Trade Your Pacific Beach Condo for a House?

Question: “I own a 3-bedroom condo in Pacific beach and I’d really like to trade it for a house with a yard and keep my monthly payments the same. Do you think that’s possible?” Answer: What are you willing to give up? You may be able to sell your condo and buy a small 2BR
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Offering a Home Warranty When Selling Your San Diego Home

Question: “Do you recommend we offer a home warranty when we sell our home?” Answer: [Background: A home warranty is an insurance policy that covers certain things that can go wrong with the systems of a home, and can also include the roof, appliances, pool, etc.] “Ooh honey, I’m excited to see THAT house because
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