How do I get a bridge loan?

Question: “Do they still have bridge loans, where you can temporarily borrow against a home you plan to sell so you can buy your next home?” Answer: Good news! Bridge loans are back, finally! My preferred lender just told us he can now get our clients a bridge loan. For more info, call me at
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Norddeutsche Landesbank

“Norddeutsche Landesbank Hannover” by Martina Nolte is licensed under CC SA 3.0
Resembling a work of art by M.C. Escher, the Norddeutsche Landesbank in Hannover, Germany seems to bend the laws of physics! The entire complex occupies one city block and contains shops, cafes, public art and reflecting pools. Designed by Behnisch and Partners in 2002, the main building’s unique expression was made in response to the
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Does the home seller or buyer pay for the house to be cleaned?

Question: “Who pays for the house to be cleaned, the seller or buyer?” Answer: Great question! Unless you write in the offer that the seller is to have the home professionally cleaned, the seller is only required to remove possessions and debris. In practice, most home sellers leave homes fairly clean, and some have them
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What’s the first thing I should do when selling my home?

Question: “My husband and I want to sell our home. What’s the first thing we should do?” Answer: Call me. That was easy! But perhaps you’d like me to expand on my answer… The first thing you should do is call a seasoned and successful agent to: Find out your home’s value Get advice on
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How can I buy a rental property in San Diego for 20% under market value?

Question: “I’d like to get a good deal on a rental property, like 20% under market. What do you recommend?” Answer: I recommend changing your goal! Having invested in real estate for 35 years, how many properties do you think I’ve bought 20% or more under market value? ZERO. I’m not saying it never happens.
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Broadway Tower

“Broadway Tower” by Robyn Cox is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
The Broadway Tower in Worcestershire, England stands at 55 feet high. This “folly” or building made for purely decorative or conversational purposes was built in 1798. The location affords a view of a pre-medieval trading route and beacon hill. The Tower includes turrets, battlements, gargoyles, and balconies. Visitors can climb three floors to the top
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Do home buyers and sellers share the closing costs?

Question: “I’d like the seller to pay my half of my closing costs. Isn’t it normal to share the costs?” Answer: Yes and no. It depends on what you mean by “share the costs.” When a home sells, the buyer and seller have different costs that they pay. There’s no law that says who pays
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Why did the home buyer ask for such a large price reduction?

Question: “I just sold my aunt’s house, who had passed away. She hadn’t really kept the house up and it needed a lot of maintenance. But the buyer asked for a $30,000 price reduction. Isn’t that excessive? Whatever happened to buying a house as is?” Answer: If you don’t take care of your body, when
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Are tax-deferred 1031 exchanges difficult and complicated?

Question: “Hi Gary. I’d like to sell our rental condo and buy another property. I’ve heard about tax deferred 1031 exchanges, but they sound difficult and complicated. What do you think?” Answer: You’re right, they sound difficult and complicated. But the good news is that they’re easy and simple! Here are the most common fears
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This Week’s Crazy Building: El Cosmico

“1956 IMPERIAL MANSION and Tee Pees” by PunkToad is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Would you pay to stay the night in a vintage trailer? How about a tepee? If those aren’t your style, El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas has other options too. Attesting to a “manana” way of life, this laid-back place believes that more attention should be on enjoying the present moment while also keeping your dreams
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