“We have a new pair of twins and need a bigger home. We’re very picky and won’t list our current home until we find one to buy. We need the money from that to buy, so we’ll have to make a contingent offer and then sell our place. Do you think this is a good

“We own a duplex in North Park free and clear. We’ve had it 17 years and we’re tired of managing and thinking about selling it. Do you recommend we carry a note so we don’t have to pay taxes?” Answer: (“Carrying a note” means that when you sell, the buyer gives you a down payment

“How are FICO scores determined?” Answer: The formula itself is complicated and the FICO company (Fair Isaac Corp) keeps it secret. But here are the basic components: A. 35% Past Delinquencies Your payment history B. 30% Debt Ratio Your revolving account balances divided by their limits, as a percentage C. 15% Average Age of File

“I’m so frustrated. My wife and I are looking for a good deal on a home. We’ve talked to a lot of agents but none of them have found us anything. What should we be doing?” Answer: The opposite of what you’re doing. Dozens of people contact me and my team every month looking for

“What type of rental real estate investment do you recommend buying?” Answer: It depends. If this is your first investment, you might want to buy a little condo or house near you, especially if you’re going to manage it yourself. If you’re a bit more experienced, consider a 2-4 unit property in a blue-collar area

“I listed my P.B. home with an agent at $1.3 million. When it didn’t sell, I listed with my current agent for $1.15 million. Now she wants me to reduce my price again, but I’ve already come down 150K. I don’t think she’s doing a good job. What should I do?” Answer: You didn’t tell

“I’m planning to exchange my San Diego rental house for an apartment building in Texas. I know there’s different kinds of exchanges. I heard I should do a Starker Exchange. What exactly is that?” Answer: Yes. Wow, I haven’t heard someone mention “Starker” for a good 10 years. The name is from a 1979 court

“We’re planning to buy a home and my wife wants to use her friend’s sister who has a full-time job and sells real estate on the side. I think we’re headed for problems. Do you agree?” Answer: Using a part-time agent is dangerous. Any agent can put you in his car and show you homes.

“Hi Gary… We’re planning to sell our home and would like to have you list it, so please call us at (858)XXX-XXXX. Quick question: Our model in our housing tract in Carmel Valley has been selling for $1,000,000 to $1,100,000. Now one just like ours sold for $950,000. Do you think our property values have