7 Disclosure Tips to Help Keep You Out of Court

Question: “We’ll be selling our home in University City next year. I’m an honest person and plan to disclose everything, even though I don’t know of anything wrong with our home. But with all the lawyers and litigation in California, I’m afraid of being sued by the buyer for some technicality. What can I do
Read more
No Comments

Adding a Second Story to Your San Diego Home

Question: “We’re looking to buy a house in the I-5 corridor. We either want a view or one where we can build up to get one. How do I know if I can add a 2nd story? What kind of restrictions are there on building up?” Answer: Great question. Here are some things you need
Read more
No Comments

This Week’s Crazy Building: Hundertwasser House

This week’s crazy building is the Hundertwasser House in Vienna, Austria. This strange apartment building is the brainchild of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (a name that truly rolls off the tongue!). He convinced city planners to go along with his idea of a building with undulating floors, bright contrasting colors and even a forested roof
Read more
No Comments

Know the Rules of a 1031 Exchange

Question: “I’d like to sell my rental and buy another property. I have 45 days after I sell to buy the next one, correct?” Answer: Not exactly. You’re talking about what’s called a 1031 exchange, named after IRS Code Section 1031. Contrary to popular belief, 1031 exchanges are fairly simple, with just a few rules
Read more
No Comments

What Effect Is the California Drought Having on Real Estate?

Looking to sell your San Diego home? Get a free home value report Buying a San Diego home? Search all homes for sale As you know, we are in the midst of a terrible drought here in California. While it hasn’t been a good thing, we can say that it has not really had an impact
Read more
No Comments

Lots to Consider When Finding “Comps” for Your Home

Question: “Hi Gary. I’m trying to find out what my rental property will sell for and am sending you the four comps another agent sent me. He said to look at the ones for sale and price it just under them and I should get about that price. Two of them are in a much
Read more
No Comments

How Do Negotiations Work in Real Estate?

Looking to sell your San Diego home? Get a free home value report Buying a San Diego home? Search all homes for sale If you are selling your home, one of the most important things you have to determine is your list price. When determining this list price, you want to know how much negotiating
Read more
No Comments

What to Do if You Can’t Find a San Diego Home

Question: “My wife and I have been looking on our own and are getting very frustrated trying to find a home. Can you give us any tips?” Answer: The first thing you need to do is start working with a good, active, experienced agent. I’m guessing you haven’t done so yet because you don’t want
Read more
No Comments

Do People Film San Diego Homes with Drones?

Question: “I saw a drone flying around a house in my neighborhood. Do you think they were filming it because it’s coming on the market?” Answer: Possibly. However, that would be illegal. I’ve researched this and the FAA currently prohibits almost all private commercial use of drones.
Read more
No Comments

Can You Just Tell Sellers to Buy As-Is?

Question: “Can I just tell buyers they have to buy my home As Is with no repairs?” Answer: Yes and no. Before I explain what that means, try this fun game: Ask your significant other, “Do you promise you won’t get mad if I tell you something?” If they agree, then say, “Those pants make
Read more
No Comments
TOP