Can I still sell my San Diego duplex even if my rents are way below market value?

Question: “We own a duplex and are considering selling it. Our rents are way below market because we’re just not very good landlords and our tenants have been there forever. Will that be a problem?” Answer: You’ll still be able to sell your duplex. But because a large percentage of potential buyers are investors, and
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Should You Have Your Buyer Move In Early?

Question: “As I told you, I’m going to have you sell that rental house I own on [address removed].  The tenant moved out last week.  Once we get a buyer, what do you think of having them move in early so I can get some rent going?” Answer: Risky! Sure, everything could work out great. 
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How to Buy Tenant Credit Reports

Question: “Hi Gary…As long as I have had a home in Clairemont (early 80’s), you have been the one Realtor that has stayed in real estate, and kept me up to speed with your newsletter! Now that my home is a rental, I need a referral.  The company I used to buy credit reports [to
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How to Find a Tenant for Your San Diego Home

Question: “I want to buy my first investment property, so I’m going to buy a little house.  What’s the best way to find a tenant?” Answer: Craigslist, hands down. You could also put a For Rent sign up, but Craigslist is going to be your best bet. By the way, in case you’ve heard of
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Be Tough, Hire a Manager, or Don’t Be a Landlord

Question: “I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a real estate investor. You’d have to be so heartless. How could you ever evict someone who’s down on their luck and can’t pay the rent?” Answer: I admire your thoughtfulness and caring. The world would be a better place with more people like you in
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Should You Rent or Sell Your San Diego Home?

Question: “My mom needs to move to an assisted living home and we’re debating whether we want to rent her home or sell it. What do you suggest?” Answer: Everyone’s situation is different. But I’ll give you some general pros and cons: Renting Pros: You may get a better return than putting the money in
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Are There One-Bedroom San Diego Homes?

Question: “I’d like to buy my first home. I don’t need a lot of space; one  bedroom should be enough. I don’t want a condo. Is there such a thing as a one bedroom house?” Answer: One-bedroom homes are very rare. I doubt that even close to 1 in a 100 homes have just one
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What Should You Expect to Pay for Rentback?

Question: “Hi Gary. My wife and I have an offer and are closing quickly this year for tax reasons. We want to rent the house back for 30 days. What rent should we expect to pay?” Answer: Because rentbacks are usually requested by the seller, the typical practice is for the seller to pay the
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How to Find Out What Are Rents Going For

Question: “I’ve got a vacancy coming up in one of my apartments. Do you know any websites where I can look up what rents are going for?” Answer: I know of a few… http://www.craigslist.com …of course http://www.rentometer.com http://www.padmapper.com …just maps Craigslist ads? http://www.finestexpert.com …upper right corner
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Selling vs. Renting a San Diego Home

“We’re retiring and moving to Georgia to be near family. Do you think we should sell our University City home or rent it?” Answer: Let me start by saying I’ve advised many people NOT to sell their homes, depending on their situation. I say that because I obviously have a self-interest to just advise you
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