Does the home seller or buyer pay for the house to be cleaned?

Question: “Who pays for the house to be cleaned, the seller or buyer?” Answer: Great question! Unless you write in the offer that the seller is to have the home professionally cleaned, the seller is only required to remove possessions and debris. In practice, most home sellers leave homes fairly clean, and some have them
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What’s the first thing I should do when selling my home?

Question: “My husband and I want to sell our home. What’s the first thing we should do?” Answer: Call me. That was easy! But perhaps you’d like me to expand on my answer… The first thing you should do is call a seasoned and successful agent to: Find out your home’s value Get advice on
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How can I buy a rental property in San Diego for 20% under market value?

Question: “I’d like to get a good deal on a rental property, like 20% under market. What do you recommend?” Answer: I recommend changing your goal! Having invested in real estate for 35 years, how many properties do you think I’ve bought 20% or more under market value? ZERO. I’m not saying it never happens.
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Do home buyers and sellers share the closing costs?

Question: “I’d like the seller to pay my half of my closing costs. Isn’t it normal to share the costs?” Answer: Yes and no. It depends on what you mean by “share the costs.” When a home sells, the buyer and seller have different costs that they pay. There’s no law that says who pays
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Why did the home buyer ask for such a large price reduction?

Question: “I just sold my aunt’s house, who had passed away. She hadn’t really kept the house up and it needed a lot of maintenance. But the buyer asked for a $30,000 price reduction. Isn’t that excessive? Whatever happened to buying a house as is?” Answer: If you don’t take care of your body, when
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Are tax-deferred 1031 exchanges difficult and complicated?

Question: “Hi Gary. I’d like to sell our rental condo and buy another property. I’ve heard about tax deferred 1031 exchanges, but they sound difficult and complicated. What do you think?” Answer: You’re right, they sound difficult and complicated. But the good news is that they’re easy and simple! Here are the most common fears
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Should I avoid buying a home from a flipper?

Question: “I don’t want to buy a house from a flipper because they cut corners and do a poor job.” Answer: There are indeed some renovators/flippers who do work as you describe. There are others who are very thorough and do a great job. If you want a nice remodeled house, but won’t buy one
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Why do HOA documents cost so much?

Question: “On the condo we’re selling, the escrow company said it will cost over $500 just for HOA papers for the buyer. Is that legit?” Answer: Yes, unfortunately. And it’s something that always upsets me because my clients are being taken advantage of by HOA (Home Owner Association) management companies. (These are not the HOAs
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Are solar loans a problem when you sell your house?

Question: “I’ve heard that those solar loans are a problem when you sell. Is that true?” Answer: Yes, most if not all solar loans (often called HERO or PACE loans) are a problem unless your buyer is paying cash. That’s because they won’t go “junior” to a buyer’s new loan, meaning the solar loan stays
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Does the home seller have to provide a termite clearance?

Question: “Last time I bought a home, it was normal and expected for the seller to provide a termite clearance. Now I hear that’s changed. Why did that change?” Answer: Great question! We California Realtors used to have a contract addendum specifically to request a pest control / termite clearance. Then a few years ago,
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