What is the cost to sell a San Diego home?

Question: “Hi Gary, besides the Realtor fee, what is the cost to sell a home here? What’s deducted at closing, etc.?” Answer: There are several categories of items that you should be aware of: 1. Standard Seller CLOSING COSTSa) These are title insurance, escrow fee, county transfer tax, and other fees. They typically total .75%
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What are the most expensive repairs from a buyer’s home inspection?

Question: “What type of expensive repairs may come up from a buyer’s home inspection?” Answer: Great question, that I hear a lot. In my experience, the most expensive costs that come up, in roughly declining order are: Settlement/structural problems Sewer line that’s broken or corroded Mold remediation Unpermitted room additions Roof replacement Major plumbing (other
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If an agent isn’t busy, does that mean they will give better service?

Question: “We interviewed two agents to sell our home. We mentioned to the first one that we’re also talking to a certain well-known agent who has sold signs all over our area. That first agent said she could give me better service and do a better job than the other agent because she’s not as
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How to keep the low property tax assessment for an inherited property

Question: “Are propositions 60 and 90 the ones that let people who inherit property from a parent or grandparent keep the low property tax assessment?” Answer: You’re thinking of California Propositions 58 and 193. Propositions 60 and 90 allow people 55 or older to transfer their low Proposition 13 tax assessment to a new home
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How do you transfer property and keep the same tax assessment?

Question: “Are propositions 60 and 90 the ones that let people who inherit property from a parent or grandparent keep the low property tax assessment?” Answer: It’s not propositions 60 and 90. Those allow people 55 or older to transfer their Proposition 13 tax assessment to a new home under certain conditions. You’re thinking of
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Does lowering the price make buyers and agents think I’m desperate?

Question: “If I lower my price, does that make buyers and agents think I’m getting desperate? I definitely don’t want that.” Answer: Neither would I! And the good news is that it doesn’t send that message at all. There’s an old “joke” in marketing: “What’s everyone’s favorite radio station? WIIFM, also known as What’s In
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Should I get a second pest control report?

Question: “I’m going to sell my home and got a pest control report calling for almost $10,000 in repairs. So I’m getting a second report. The termite inspector told me that as the owner I can choose the lowest report and use that one…” Answer: Let me stop you right there.  That well-meaning pest control
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Should I replace my noisy central air conditioner before I list my home for sale?

Question: “I had my noisy central air conditioning looked at and the recommendation was to get a new unit for about $4,000. You think that’s something that really should be done before my house goes on market? It works fine, just a little noisy.” Answer: It’s a judgment call, but since it won’t detract when
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Can an agent say they have multiple offers when they really don’t?

Question: “I think I know what you’re going to say, but is this okay to do? I sold a home and my agent told everyone we had multiple offers when we didn’t. And when we got an offer, he even wrote a multiple counter offer when we didn’t have another offer.” Answer: Your agent is
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How to choose a real estate agent

Question: “I’m planning to sell my home. What’s the best way to choose an agent?” Answer: Thanks for your question! My answer may sound self-serving, but you’ll agree it makes sense: The only way to choose an agent is based on their track record. Fancy presentations and “happy talk” are nice, but they’re just promises.
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