What’s the best website to search for a home?

Question: “Hi Gary, I’m starting my home search what’s the best website to use?” Answer: Great question! I’m going to suggest you use my website, www.SearchSDHomes.com, and here’s why… It’s very user-friendly and simple. Many major sites you’ve heard of have inaccurate or out-of-date information. Mine does not. All the major sites are basically looking
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How can I find an agent to accurately price my home?

Question: “I know my home is worth at least 1.1 million, but the first two agents I talked to said it’s in the 900s. Where can I find an agent who knows how to accurately price a home?” Answer: Let me first say that you could be right. Your home may well be worth 1.1
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How much does solar add to the value of your home?

Question: “I was looking at a home and the owner was there and said because he had solar panels his home value went up over $70,000. That can’t be true, can it?” Answer: Not a chance. He was referring to a 1998 Appraisal Journal study, often attributed to Wells Fargo. It says that for every
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Do you pay taxes on a 1031 exchange?

Question: “I’m going to be selling my rental and buying another using a 1031 exchange. A realtor told me that because it’s not my home, the state of California will withhold money from the sale for taxes. Is that correct?” Answer: That agent gave you some incorrect advice. The state will require a 3 1/3%
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How do I find my property line?

Question: “When I bought my house, I was told the property line is at the fence. Do you think that’s correct? Should I look at a map?” Answer: Ever played the kid’s game of “Telephone”? One person whispers a phrase to the next person, who whispers it to the next person, and so on. The
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Not every power of attorney allows you to sell property

Question: “My mother owns her home in her trust. She’s not well, so I’m handling the sale for her. I have power of attorney and…” Answer: Before we go on, we need to determine if that power of attorney is actually valid to sell the house. Now, you may be thinking, “Of course it is.
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Are real estate investing seminars worthwhile?

Question: “I’d like to start investing in San Diego real estate. What do you think of those real estate investing seminars?” Answer: Most of them are a waste of your hard-earned money. Here’s why: Foreclosure seminars – we have VERY few foreclosures in San Diego. Tax lien seminars – ditto. Flipping seminars – too competitive
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How to find homes for sale

Question: “I’m so frustrated. I keep calling about homes for sale on Zillow and other sites, as well as on for sale signs, and they’re always sold. Any suggestions?” Answer: Let me answer that in multiple parts… WEBSITESMany well-known websites have inaccurate and outdated information about homes for sale and home values. They can be
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What is the reinvestment requirement when I sell my home?

Question: “I just sold my house. How long do I have to reinvest and buy another home?” Answer: There’s no reinvestment requirement when you sell your home. The law that applies is IRS Section 121, known as the Principal Residence Exclusion. Under that law, you don’t pay tax on the first 250K of gain (singles)
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Do real estate agents have to present all offers?

Question: “I had my house in escrow and found out that I got a HIGHER offer before the house closed. But my agent never told me about it. I’ve heard that agents are supposed to ‘present all offers,’ aren’t they?” Answer: You’re 100% right! The seller’s agent is required to inform the seller of ALL
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