How do I transfer my property taxes to a new house?

Question: “Is it true that if I’m over 55, I can sell my house and use the property ‘tax base’ as the tax base for a new purchase?” Answer: Under Proposition 60, if you sell a San Diego home that qualifies as your principal residence and buy another principal residence in San Diego, you can
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Should we still buy a house even if the seller won’t lower their price?

Question: “We found a house we like that just hit the market, but the seller won’t budge off his price. Do you think we should still buy it?” Answer: You haven’t provided me the most important information: What are they asking? What do you think it’s worth? If you like the home and it’s worth
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Do houses make good rental properties?

Question: “I live in University City and the house next door just came up for sale for $900,000. Do you think that would make a good rental?” Answer: Maybe. While I do own one rental house, I’ve found that less expensive condos and houses, as well as 2-4 unit properties, make better investments. However, since
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29 Critical Questions to Ask Your Realtor

Any agent you work with should have the skills to maximize your success. Here’s how to find an agent who can just that. Click here to get the report. If you’re thinking of selling your home, then I highly recommend you order my team’s exclusive home seller’s guide: 29 Critical Questions to Ask a Realtor
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Are condos good investments?

Question: “What do you think of a condo as an investment?” Answer: Excellent question! I own several condos as investments and they’ve been great. Here are some situations where I recommend condos to my clients looking for investment property: You’re a beginning investor and want to start easy. You want to keep things simple so
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Why NOT to use open houses to price your home

Question: “Hey Gary: We stopped in at an open house at the home at XXXX XXXX. It’s listed at $700,000. We weren’t impressed with it compared to ours. We assume the main draw for that house is location and it’s on a bigger lot. Have you seen it? What’s your opinion?  It makes us think
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Should I buy a home with an unpermitted addition?

Question: “I was looking at a home that had one of those California Rooms built without a permit.  Is there a downside to buying a home with an unpermitted addition?” Answer: (A California room is typically a patio style room with many windows. FYI, in Florida they call these Florida Rooms!) Three possible issues come
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

The undulating walls and movement of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are a vast departure from other health physicalities. Designed by renowned architect, Frank Gehry, he feels the center represents hope. The Center treats patients with Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Started in 2009 the Center came about as a partnership
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How to make an offer on a home with value range pricing

Question: “We made an offer on a home listed for 725-800K with value range pricing. We offered 730K and the seller wouldn’t go below 770K, so we didn’t get the house. Isn’t it illegal and misleading to say 725K was their lowest price, but not accept an offer over 725K?” Answer: First of all, contrary
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Do you charge a fee for your home or property estimates?

Question: “When someone is considering selling and if they want to speak with you regarding how much their property is worth, do you charge a fee for this or only give them a guesstimate? I want to make sure I understand…They have to get a separate appraisal since the value you provide isn’t considered THE appraisal, right? 
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