Home Pricing Advice “Hi Gary. We’ll be selling our condo in La Jolla next month. We know the comps say it’s around 700K, but we’d like to shoot for 725-750K. We’re willing to hold out even if it takes several months to sell. How long should we expect it to be on the market?” ***ANSWER:

Discount Brokers “What’s this I see around San Diego about 1% and 2.5% real estate fees to sell a home. I know they’re discount brokers and don’t do very much, but how can they charge so little and stay in business?” ***ANSWER: Many of them don’t. There’s a real revolving door of these reduced service

Is using a Part-time San Diego Real EstateAgent a good Idea? “My husband and I will be buying a house in Scripps Ranch or University City area He wants his fishing buddy who does real estate on the side to represent us. I know that’s a bad idea, but can YOU tell him?” ***ANSWER: USING

“I’ve been interviewing agents to sell my mother’s home in Del Mar. After talking with five, I’ve come to the conclusion I really have no idea how to tell who I should hire. Help!” ***ANSWER: I’m going to tell you something you already know, but perhaps in all the confusion have forgotten. The best predictor

Grading Apartment Investments A,B,C, & D I’m looking into buying apartments and I’ve heard brokers talk about A, B, C, & D areas. I think I understand, but can you explain?” ***ANSWER: A, B, C, & D are subjective grades used to describe both location and property quality. San Diego Investor For location, here’s how

Appraisal Question: “Hey Gary. Question. What if when you’re buying a house the appraisal comes in low? Does the seller have to sell for that price?” ***ANSWER: Great question. It’s important to remember that a residential appraisal is really the appraiser’s opinion and may or may not be “correct.” If the appraisal comes in low,

What are some Credit Score Myths? 4 Common Credit Score Myths Revealed —Myth #1: You have one credit score— You have three, one from each of the three major credit bureaus. And they can vary 50 points or more. —Myth #2: Your income or wealth impacts your score— They don’t. Your credit score is about

Should I use a family member as agent to help me buy a house? “Hi Gary. I’m going to be buying a home in Clairemont or Pacific Beach. My wife’s uncle is retired, but he has a license and she wants to use him. But I want to use a good full-time agent like you

Proposition 60 and 90 “Hello and thanks for your newsletter :o) I’m trying to keep track of real estate, with an eye to moving from a house to a condo. What’s all this about being able to keep your Prop 13 taxes if you’ve passed your 55th birthday? Are there any catches? Keep up the

“I know it’s a good idea to use a broker to sell a home in Hillcrest, but I need to get every penny out of it and I’m thinking of trying to sell on my own. Can you give me any tips?” ***ANSWER: I understand where you’re coming from. Most of my clients need every