Will Agents Really Sell Your Home for 1% ?

Do agents promising a 1% commission rates actually do a good job in representing sellers? Let’s find out. Having been in the real estate industry for 34 years now, I’ve seen a number of trends come and go. One of these trends, which we’re seeing again now, is an influx of agents advertising that they’ll sell
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Leave Buyers Alone When Showing Your San Diego Home

Question: “I’ve heard that when your home is for sale, you should leave when buyers see it. But I want to be there so I know what people think and make sure the agent tells them what they should know about my home. What do you think?” Answer: You sound like what agents call “the
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Costs of Selling Your San Diego Home

Question: “Hi Gary. We own a home in Pacific Beach that we’ll be calling you to sell in a couple of months. But for now we just want to find out the selling costs so we can do some planning. Can you help us with this?” Answer: To be fairly safe, you can typically figure
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The Lowdown on Termite Fumigation

Question: “Gary, I had my house tented about two years ago. I believe it is effective for three years, so is it true that I won’t need to tent again should I sell within three years?” Answer: I’m not sure if you’re asking… Does a fumigation kill termites for 3 years? Is there a 3-year
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Is Closing Done via E-signatures or in Person?

Question: “We may be out of town when our sale closes. Is the closing done via esignatures, or do we have to be present?” Answer: Good news. Unlike other states, in California you do not need to sign anything at closing. It’s all signed beforehand. Of course, there could be some last-minute document to sign,
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Buying a Warranty for the Homebuyer

Question: “I got an offer on my home that asks us to pay for an optional warranty on the a/c unit. We rarely use it and its 15 years old. If it breaks for the buyer, I don’t want to take on that expense. How do I protect myself?” Answer: You’re buying a warranty policy
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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