“When we sold our home in Pasadena, we told our agent we didn’t want a sign and he said that was fine. Would you require us to have a sign?” ***ANSWER: No, but… Why don’t you want a sign? If you’re like most people, it’s because you don’t want your neighbors to know you’re selling.

“Last week you answered a question about FICO scores. But what actually makes up a FICO score?” ***ANSWER: Here’s what goes into your FICO, with some comments and tips: 35% – Payment history How current you are with your monthly bills. So pay everything ON TIME. 30% – Amount of debt It’s best to never

“Something very strange just happened and I’d like your comments. My wife and I listed our home and after a couple of weeks we got two decent offers the same day. Since we had two buyers on the hook, so to speak, we took our time and countered back at our full list price. To

“Hi Gary. I just had my credit run and my FICO score is a 633. Is that good?” ***ANSWER: Please refer to this chart: 720+ AA 700-719 A 680-699 B+ 660-679 B 640-659 B- 620-639 C+ 600-619 C 580-599 D 350-579 F 680+ / “Low Risk” With credit this stellar, you’ll get the very lowest

“As a homeseller, once I get an offer, how long do I have to respond?” ***ANSWER: Great question. You have as long as the buyer has given you in the contract, usually 24-72 hours. BUT… I advise my clients that momentum is critical in every negotiation. If you make a homebuyer wait too long for

“Question. We’re looking to buy a house in the next few months and talked with a mortgage broker we found on the internet. She said she can also be our Realtor and help my wife and I buy a home. I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Is that allowed?” ***ANSWER: Allowed? Absolutely. Good idea?

Financing: I refinanced my house 2 years ago and the rate is fixed for 3 years. Because I’m low income, I can’t really afford to have my payment fluctuate each month so I’d like to refinance again and get a fixed rate. Last time, I had a broker find a loan for me but neither

“Hi Gary. We’re going to be selling our home. Do you recommend an agent who works solo or one that has a team?” ***ANSWER: Before I answer that, I should tell you that I fit in the latter category. That being said… Use an agent with a team! Why? Today, selling a home is so

“Gary, as you know the market has changed drastically in the past year. It’s gone from a seller’s to a buyer’s market. My question is whether I should buy in a buyer’s market. What do you think?” ***ANSWER: Here’s the funny thing. When we had an overheated seller’s market 2000-2005, many people said they were

INVESTING: “Hi Gary. My wife and I own a condo in U.C. and want to sell it and buy a four-unit property. I don’t know much about 1031 exchanges, but I do know if you do it right, you don’t have to pay any taxes. Can you give me the basics on exchanges? ” ***ANSWER: