Is that included in the purchase of the home?

Marcy, a first-time homebuyer, was over-the-moon excited about finally moving into her new home. The day arrived, the movers were actually on time and, for the first time since the final walk-through, she opened the door to her home. Since she had a case of water bottles with her, she headed straight for the refrigerator […]

3 Critical Home Seller Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Real estate isn’t a game for the faint of heart. To ensure that you walk away from the deal with the maximum amount of money possible requires following a time-tested process. Unfortunately, not all real estate agents counsel their clients on the do’s and don’ts of selling a home so mistakes happen frequently. Let’s take […]

How to sell a home as a landlord

Tenants come in two “flavors,” affable and nightmarish. We hope, for your sake, that when it comes time to sell your rental your tenants are the former. The whole process will go much smoother. If they are disagreeable, you may want to take option 1 when deciding when to list your rental property. Timing the sale […]

Rental Property Tax Tips

Owning a rental property poses tax considerations that are more complex than the residential property you live in and requires a more refined tax strategy. Below is the tax information you need to know as well as some top tax tips for owners of rental properties. Rental Property Tax Considerations When filling in your tax returns, your […]

Hey boomer: Considering buying a home in a retirement community?

Now, before you turn your nose up at the topic, we aren’t talking about senior living communities – those group homes for baby boomers and their elders where they take a little bus to Walmart once a week and someone else does all the cooking. We’re talking about retirement communities – for boomers who are active and […]

First time buyer? 3 things you need to buy a home

Most homeowners can clearly recall that moment it became clear that they could, and would, buy a home. Ditching the landlord is a dream of many and when you can see that dream – grasp it – it’s intoxicating. It’s easy to jump right into the process and let the cards fall where they may, […]

Be a smart homebuyer: Attend open houses

The National Association of Realtors tells us that 44 percent of homebuyers visit open houses. While most don’t end up buying the home, it gives them an idea of what homes in their price range offer. And, that’s a brilliant strategy. Even if you don’t plan on buying the homes you tour, it helps you […]

How to buy a house: 5 tips to get the best deal

So, you’ve heard that home prices are falling, the inventory of available homes is beginning to grow and, if you look closely, you’ll see a crack beginning to form in that once-fiery sellers’ market. Whereas in the recent past, homebuyers were a dime a dozen, you may just be on the precipice of being an […]

Seller’s Market

Hi Kathy: My husband and I have recently moved to Mission Valley from San Francisco. We chose this area because it is centrally located to my husband’s work Downtown and my research work at a bio-medical company in Sorrento Valley. Our combined income is over $100,000 and we have little debt. My husband also has […]

Selling Mom and Dad’s Home

One of life’s most challenging aspects is watching our parents age. Then comes the day when you, and they, realize they’ve lost their physical independence. Whether they are downsizing into a smaller, less maintenance-intensive home or are moving in with you or to a care home, giving up a long-loved home is wrenching. Thankfully, they […]