Pest Control Clearance Approval

Question: “I’m selling a townhouse.  My agent is a friend, but he’s new and inexperienced, so I’d like your opinion.  We accepted an offer and the buyer’s lender insists that it be tented.  The homeowner’s association pays for that, but it’s taking a long time to get their approval, let alone get it scheduled and
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So Your Offer Was Accepted—Or Was It?

Question: “The seller’s agent texted my agent that our offer on a home was accepted, but now they say they sold the home to someone else.  Is that legal?” Answer: For a real estate contract to be accepted and binding, there must be: A written offer Written acceptance Delivery of written acceptance to the party
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Limits on 1031 Exchange

Question: “We just bought a house to fix and flip and will do a 1031 exchange so we don’t have to pay taxes.  So our question is…” Answer: Sorry, but I’ve got to interrupt.  I’m about to make you very sad right now, but you’ll avoid much greater sadness later. Per IRS rules, you cannot
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Should You Have Your Buyer Move In Early?

Question: “As I told you, I’m going to have you sell that rental house I own on [address removed].  The tenant moved out last week.  Once we get a buyer, what do you think of having them move in early so I can get some rent going?” Answer: Risky! Sure, everything could work out great. 
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Is Your San Diego Home Improvement Worth It?

Question: “We got a contractor’s bid of $24,000 to put in new cherry finish cabinets and granite counter tops in the kitchen and both baths, plus a new range/oven.  Do you think that’s a good investment and we would get more than the $24,000 back if we do these things?” Answer: The $24,000 sounds like
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Can Stressed Seniors Have the Kids Sell the House?

Question: “My mother is getting up there in years, and wants to move to a retirement home where she can get the care she needs. But she’s very anxious about selling her house, so she wants me to handle it. Is there any way I can do everything for her so she doesn’t have to
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Who Pays for San Diego Condo Renovations?

Question: “I’m thinking about buying a condo that was built in the 1960s.  It’s fine right now, but what happens in, say, another 50 years? If it has to undergo major renovations or be rebuilt entirely, who pays for that?” Answer: Great question. It’s not likely that a condo complex or even individual buildings will
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Why Does the Seller Pay the Buyer Costs?

Question: “I just got an offer on my house, but the buyer wants me to pay $10,000 of his closing costs. Why should I pay his costs?  And why didn’t he just offer a lower price instead?  This seems kind of shady, like they’re trying to defraud their bank.  Have you heard of this?” Answer:
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Will Xeriscaping Add Value to Your San Diego Home?

Question: “Gary, I’m going to xeriscape the front of my house to conserve water and lower my water bill.  How much value do you think that will add?” Answer: [Note: Xeriscaping is landscaping that needs little or no watering by using less-thirsty plants like cacti and succulents.] First, I highly commend you for conserving water.
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Can You Move Into Your Rental to Avoid Taxes?

Question: “I talked with my tax guy about selling my rental condo and he said I’m going to have to pay about 40K in taxes if I sell it without doing a 1031 exchange.  So I’m going to move into my rental for two years so that I don’t have to pay any taxes when
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