Can You Require Your Tenants to Pay in Cash?
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Question: “With the tough economy, a lot of my tenants’ checks have been bouncing. Obviously that makes my life pretty stressful. So I want to tell my tenants that they can only pay in cash. However, a friend of mine said I can’t legally do that…?” Answer: Since January 1, 2005, it’s been illegal for
- Published in Q&A - Home Investing Questions
Can Seniors Sell & Keep Their Low Property Tax Base?
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Question: “Dear Gary, I’ve been told that the San Diego Tax Assessor will allow a senior citizen to sell their existing house in another county (ie. Orange County), allow you to retain your existing property tax base, purchase a home in San Diego county and forward your original property tax base to the new home
- Published in FAQs, Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Should People Start Considering Adjustable Mortgages?
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Question: “I read in the paper Sunday that with rates having gone up, people are starting to consider adjustable mortgages. What do you think?” Answer: With our still historically low interest rates, getting an adjustable mortgage would be bad advice for most people. No one can predict the future, let alone the direction of interest
- Published in Q&A - Home Financing Questions
Should You Hire a Team to Sell Your San Diego Home?
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
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
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Can You Borrow Money for a Down Payment?
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Question: “Is there any rule against borrowing money for a down payment?” Answer: Yes. In fact, I don’t know of any lenders that will make you a home loan if you borrow your down payment, unless you’re borrowing against your own 401K or real estate. As a side note, with certain restrictions, many loans allow
- Published in Q&A - Home Financing Questions
Should an Agent Be Paid Less If They Sell Fast?
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
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
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
How Interest Rate Increase Affects San Diego Home Prices
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Question: “What do you think the recent interest rate increase will do to home prices?” Answer: Great question. Many people are asking me the same question right now. My economics degree gives me some insight. Economics is ultimately a study in human behavior and how various forces impact that behavior. So how does increase in
- Published in Q&A - Home Investing Questions