How to plan a move around your escrow closing

Question: “I’m really nervous about rushing to move out the day escrow closes. Escrows don’t always close on time, so how can I be expected to move with very little notice?” Answer: It can be stressful. I handle it for my clients this way: First, I explain to my clients up front that we can’t
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Is Closing Done via E-signatures or in Person?

Question: “We may be out of town when our sale closes. Is the closing done via esignatures, or do we have to be present?” Answer: Good news. Unlike other states, in California you do not need to sign anything at closing. It’s all signed beforehand. Of course, there could be some last-minute document to sign,
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Why Have a Seller Pay Closing Costs for the Buyer?

Question: “What’s the benefit of having a seller pay closing costs for the buyer? They’ll want a higher price, so I don’t get why people do it.” Answer: Indeed, when I get an offer on a client’s home and the buyer wants the seller to pay their closing costs, many of my clients object. And
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Advantages of Cash Offers on San Diego Homes

Question: “Gary, a question. As the seller, what is the difference between a cash offer and one where the buyer gets a mortgage? Essentially, what’s in it for me? Are my closing costs lower with cash?” Answer: Your costs aren’t lower. What’s in it for you is: Your sale is more certain Possibly a shorter
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Should I Do Termite Work Now or During Escrow?

Question: “Should I do the termite work now or do it during escrow?” Answer: If you have a lot of wood repair that is visible and looks bad, you may want to do it now. Otherwise I would say to wait and see if your buyer asks you to do it. But the odds are
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Can the Seller Cancel if They Didn’t Sign Escrow Instructions?

Question: “I got a good deal on a little condo that would make a great rental. Now the seller is trying to cancel saying he never signed escrow instructions so we don’t have a deal. I’ve asked my agent if that’s correct and he thinks the seller is wrong but isn’t sure. The seller can’t
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Why Won’t Agents Tell You What a Home in Escrow Sold For?

Question: “There was a house I liked, but I dithered and someone else got their offer accepted. The sold sign is up, but when I called the agent, she refused to tell me what it sold for. Is that normal?” Answer: Yes, that’s normal. Until the sale closes escrow, it could always fall through and
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Why Does the Seller Pay the Buyer Costs?

Question: “I just got an offer on my house, but the buyer wants me to pay $10,000 of his closing costs. Why should I pay his costs?  And why didn’t he just offer a lower price instead?  This seems kind of shady, like they’re trying to defraud their bank.  Have you heard of this?” Answer:
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Should Buyers Get Their Own Pest Control Inspection?

Question: “We’re in escrow on a home.  The seller’s termite report costs seem low and many areas I feel were overlooked (dry rot apparent).  If we get our own termite report can it hurt the deal in any way?  What if my inspector points out many more areas and the costs doubles.  I don’t want
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Selling Your Home Should Be a “No Ego Zone”

Question: “Gary, I’m selling our rental in Los Angeles.  The buyer agreed to buy As Is and we even gave them a home inspection from a previous buyer before they offered.  But now they’re asking for a $200 credit for a water pressure regulator.  My agent told them no, but they’re not backing down.  I’m
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