“Hi Gary. I know that curb appeal is important when you sell. Can you share any tips on increasing a home’s curb appeal?” ***ANSWER: Here are 10 Smart Curb Appeal Tips for you: 1. Drive up to your home like you’re a potential buyer. You may be shocked at what you notice with this different

“Both the stock market and the real estate market have been so unpredictable. Do you mind if I ask you where you put your money, in stocks or real estate?” ***ANSWER: You won’t be surprised to hear that I’m mainly invested in real estate. For me, that’s because I know, live, and breathe the stuff.

“I’ve bought a home a few times and I don’t understand why we need to pay an escrow company all that money. Can’t I just give the seller a check from my lender and get the deed and record it?” ***ANSWER: If only it were that simple… You wouldn’t want to get a letter from

“Hello Gary. My wife and I just got married and we’re planning to buy our first home and I have a question. What happens if a house fails a home inspection?” ***ANSWER: Home inspectors don’t pass/fail a home. They inspect it, describe its condition, and indicate what needs attention. If your inspector finds items that

“Hi Gary. The only home I’ve ever owned is a little condo I bought from my parents, so I’m a rookie at homebuying. Now I need something bigger, with a yard for my dog, so I want to buy a house. Can you tell me how much my deposit will be and do I lose

“My friend recommended that I use you to sell my property. I have an 8 unit apartment building in Pacific Beach that I want you to sell. When I do, will I have to pay 25% capital gains?” ***ANSWER: I’ve got bad news and good news and better news for you… Bad Many people I

“Dear Gary: Is it true that once you moved out of your primary house and then you rent that house and then you buy a bigger house – that you have so many months so you can sell that primary and be able to touch the money w/o paying taxes on the profit I make?

“My wife and I currently own a 3-bedroom condo in Mission Valley and we really want a house with a nice yard and a garage. Our condo should sell for about $425,000 now, netting us $210,000. How much house can we afford to buy?” ***ANSWER: Down payment is but one factor in determining the maximum

“Hi Gary. When I refinanced my condo last October, I took out a large loan to pay off some debts. Now I just got laid off and can’t pay my mortgage. What’s worse is I can’t sell because I owe $495,000 and it’s only worth $475,000. I’m stuck and I don’t know what to do.

“I have two questions about prepayment penalties. How do they work? And how can I be sure I don’t get one?” ***ANSWER: Good questions. On a single-family home and 2-4 unit properties, the prepayment penalty typically applies the first one to three years after you get your loan. The penalty is typically 80% of 6