What are some smart tips for buying a home?

Question: “Any smart tips you can share about buying a home?” Answer: Sure, here’s one… When you look at homes online, pay special attention to the ones with very low-quality photos. I don’t mean ugly homes necessarily, but the homes with photos that look like they were taken by an 8-year-old using an iPhone 1.
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How much should I offer so I can get a home you have listed?

Question: “I see you have a home listed on XXXXX Street and heard you have a couple of offers. I’d like to make an offer and get the house. What price do I need to beat?” Answer: Great question! And I’m sure many agents would give you a very specific and useful answer. However, as
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Can anyone afford a home in San Diego?

Question: “Prices in San Diego are much too high. We’ve got to do something since it’s gotten to the point where no one can afford a home here.” Answer: I appreciate your frustration. San Diego home prices are amongst the highest in the nation. So while I don’t disagree with you, I feel compelled to
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Can I ask for new carpet from my home inspection?

Question: “Can I ask for new carpet from my home inspection?” Answer: You can, but that’s not what home inspections are for. Home inspections are for you to find significant defects that you weren’t aware of when you made your offer. Based on what you find, you can decide if you still want the home
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What is a Zillow Zestimate?

Question: “Hi Gary. I saw a little condo near SDSU for sale. The agent was advertising it as being $35,000 under Zillow Zestimate. I’m not sure what they’re talking about. Does that mean it’s a good deal?” Answer: Nope. What that means is the agent is trying to sway anyone foolish enough to think that
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How soon should I make an offer on a house?

Question: “Hi Gary. Love your newsletter. I want to know, when you’re looking for a home and find one you really like, how long do you think it’s OK to think about it before making an offer?” Answer: He who hesitates is lost.  If a home is attractive and/or well-priced, someone else may have seen
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How quickly should I make an offer on a home in San Diego I really like?

Question: “Hi Gary. Love your newsletter. I want to know, when you’re looking for a home and find one you really like, how long do you think it’s OK to think about it before making an offer?” Answer: He who hesitates is lost.  If a home is attractive and/or well-priced, someone else may have seen
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How do I get out of my lease early?

Question: “Hi Gary. I’m currently renting near UTC with a lease through December. I wasn’t really planning to buy, but my girlfriend wanted to go out and look at homes. We’ve seen several at good prices that we can afford. So now I’ve got the bug and want to buy before rates go up. But
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Where’s the best neighborhood to buy a home?

Question: “Where’s the best neighborhood to buy a home?” Answer: Good question, but impossible to answer. Sure, I could say La Jolla or Rancho Santa Fe, right? After all, they’re the most expensive, so they should be the best. But for you (and anyone), it all depends on: Your budget What type of home you
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Can a real estate agent ask a home seller what price they will accept?

Question: “When my agent shows me homes, is she allowed to ask the seller what price they’ll take?” Answer: Nope. It would be a clear violation of the Realtor® Code Of Ethics, Standard of Practice 16-13: All dealings concerning property exclusively listed, or with buyer/tenants who are subject to an exclusive agreement shall be carried
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